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A surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids is called tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, respectively. The first report of a tonsillectomy was made by the Roman surgeon Celsus in 30 AD, and he described scraping the tonsils and tearing them out, or picking them up with a hook and excising them with a scalpel. Today, the scalpel is still the preferred surgical instrument of many ear, nose, and throat specialists, but there are other procedures available. The choice may be between a complete tonsil removal versus a partial tonsillectomy, but other considerations such as pain and post-operative bleeding should also be taken into account.
When the doctor decides your child should have a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy, you should talk to your child about his/her feelings. You should also provide strong reassurance and support throughout the process. It is important to encourage the idea that the procedure will make him/her healthier, and you should be with your child as much as possible before and after the surgery.
The patient can expect a sore throat after the surgery, so you should reassure your child that the operation does not remove any important parts of the body, and that he/she will not look any different afterward. It is important to know that for at least two weeks before any surgery, the patient should refrain from taking Aspirin or other medications containing Aspirin. (Children should never be given Aspirin because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.) If the patient or the patient's family has had any problems with anesthesia, the surgeon should be informed before surgery starts. If the patient is taking any other medications, has any therapy or any disease, the surgeon should be informed. Besides this, a blood test and possibly a urine test may be required prior to surgery. It is important to know that nothing should be eaten at least a few hours before the surgery, because anything in the stomach may be vomited when anesthesia is induced, and this could be very dangerous, even life-threatening. Anyhow, detailed instructions before the surgery should be given by your doctor!
Post-op
After the tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy is done, the patient will be taken to the recovery area. Recovery room staff will observe the patient until discharged, because every patient is special, and recovery times vary from one individual to the next. Many patients are released after 2-10 hours, while others are kept overnight. In some cases, intensive care may be needed. There are several postoperative symptoms that may arise, which include but are not limited to swallowing problems, vomiting, fever, throat pain, and ear pain as well as changes in patients' voice. Occasionally, bleeding may occur after the surgery, so if the patient has any bleeding, the surgeon should be notified immediately. It is also recommended to drink plenty of fluids after the operation, even if it hurts a bit at first.